Manuel Pellegrini has been busy hailing Pablo Fornals, who he was “lucky to have” at West Ham United.

El Pais cover comments from the Real Betis boss today. He was full of praise for the Spaniard, who is ageing like a fine wine.

Fornals has been earning praise for his current role in the Betis squad, which is going through a delicate moment. They’re without the likes of Giovani Lo Celsco, Isco and Sofyan Amrabat due to injury.

That’s left them requiring someone to take the team on their shoulders. Fornals has proven to be that man. He became a crucial player last season, shining in Pellegrini’s system. This season he’s set to ‘shatter’ his previous records. He’s already on six goals this season, matching his previous best at West Ham and Malaga.

Pellegrini is more than happy with him. He pushed for Betis to secure the midfielder’s signature in 2024 and has been benefiting from it since.

He’s worked with Fornals for years, previously signing him at West Ham. The midfielder has now made 81 appearances under him, with 12 goals and 12 assists to date. Pellegrini is a big fan as a result. And was keen to...